Why prosecutors refuse to drop Netanyahu's bribery charge despite judges' reccomendation - analysis

Judges presiding over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's corruption trial have again signaled significant legal hurdles for the bribery charge in Case 4000, a sentiment they first expressed in June 2023. The Jerusalem District Court panel reiterated its position that establishing the bribery offense presents difficulties, suggesting prosecutors might consider withdrawing the charge. This comes after Netanyahu concluded his testimony and cross-examination, indicating that his evidence has not swayed the judges' initial assessment.

Case 4000, known as the Bezeq-Walla affair, is the sole case where Netanyahu faces bribery charges. Prosecutors allege that while serving as both prime minister and communications minister, he pushed for regulatory changes benefiting Bezeq, owned by Shaul Elovitch at the time. In return, the state claims Netanyahu and his family received preferential coverage from the Walla news site, also controlled by Elovitch. Netanyahu has consistently denied any wrongdoing.

While dropping the bribery charge would not end the trial or negate other allegations in Case 4000 (fraud and breach of trust) or those in Cases 1000 and 2000, it would remove the most serious accusation. The judges' renewed emphasis on the difficulties with the bribery charge underscores the ongoing legal complexities and political stakes surrounding the trial, which has spanned a decade of investigations, indictments, elections, and societal upheaval in Israel.